A Game of Thrones: Genesis – A strategic release

Suffering withdrawals after the first season of A Game of Thrones ended earlier this year? Strategy developer Cyanide might have something of interest for you. A Game of Thrones: Genesis is a shiny new RTS, also adapted from the A Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R.R. Martin.

It's set to launch tomorrow, and we've got some new screenshots, highlighting the eight Houses of Westeros as they prepare for the final battle for the Iron Throne.

The 8 Houses of Westeros

Now, on the surface of things, many people would expect this video game adaptation to be an RP, a game where you could really get into the Houses of Lannister, Stark and the rest - but the more we hear about Genesis, the more an RTS makes a lot of sense.

The world that George R.R. Martin created is full of backstabbing and political intrigue - so why play that out from a single perspective when you could zoom out a little and control the whole of Westeros?

Command the assassination of an opponent's Great Lord, set up secret alliances, send a spy to take the place of the opponent's unit, or harass his trade routes to weaken his economy. Treason, espionage, kidnapping and ransoms... treachery is everywhere, so always watch your back!

What we particularly like - and are guessing you will too, following the breakaway popularity of one Tyrion Lannister - is that by playing your cards right, and using the low blows the game provides, it is entirely possible to earn victory without recruiting any army or ever entering an open war. Finally, a game of strategy that rewards out-of-the-box thinking!

...if you're a fan of military invasions, rest assured that approach is still totally appropriate. Raise your own army, beseige enemy villages, attack castles, crush the resistance and force everyone to submit to your rule. The choice is yours, and the Iron Throne is at stake.

A Game of Thrones: Genesis will be available via Steam and in good gaming retailers from September 29th. If you want more, pick up the Collector Edition, which comes with a map of Westeros, two pieces of art, and its own exclusive metal box.

(If, after all that, you're still more interested in an RPG adaptation, stay tuned. There's one of them in the works as well.)